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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Craig Paton

Swinney ‘has no plans’ to meet Trump during US visit for World Cup

Scotland’s first minister has no plans to meet Trump while in the US (PA) - (PA Wire)

Scottish first minister John Swinney says he will not be seeking a meeting with Donald Trump during his upcoming trip to the United States for the World Cup.

Mr Swinney is set to travel across the Atlantic as Scotland’s men’s national team participates in the world’s biggest football tournament for the first time in 28 years.

The Tartan Army is scheduled to face Haiti in their opening match on 14 June in Boston.

Speaking to the Press Association on Wednesday, Mr Swinney said there has been no contact between his government and the White House regarding a potential encounter during his visit, despite their previously established rapport.

First Minister John Swinney will head to the US this month as Scotland play in the World Cup (Robert Perry/PA) (PA Wire)
First Minister John Swinney will head to the US this month as Scotland play in the World Cup (Robert Perry/PA) (PA Wire)

Mr Swinney has cultivated a good relationship with Mr Trump, meeting him on several occasions last year, including at his Scottish golf courses.

These discussions were part of the first minister's efforts to advocate for an end to Scotch whisky tariffs. Mr Trump announced in April that the 10% levy would be dropped, acknowledging Mr Swinney as a "very big part" of his decision.

However, Mr Swinney was clear about his current intentions during a visit to a mental health charity in Glasgow on Wednesday. He told PA: "I don’t have any plans to visit the White House while I’m in the United States, no. There’s no dialogue taking place about that particular issue."

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